Summer is getting closer.

The Simplicity 1948 shorts are getting closer to being ready.  I have been doing a lot of topstitching.  My singer 7470 hasn't let me down.  I am surprised at how well it has been handling several layers of denim.  I thought for sure I would have to use one of my vintage machines.

I did use a vintage machine to embellish a back pocket.  I tried my Simplicity and my Brother embroidery machines, but I liked the style of letters poduced by my Singer 6268. This machine was made in the 80s.  I thought it definitely evokes the 80s designer jeans look I wanted.

Jordache 1980s

Calvin Klein 1980s

Singer 6268 with embroidery attachment

Embroidery unit in action

TMS = ThinManSewing designer shorts

Zipper fly

Time to finish the waistband and belt loops.

Thanks for stopping.

Summer is coming!

How better to get ready for Summer than making a pair of shorts?

I had some heavy denim in my stash I bought at the thrift store.  I was thinking a pair of jeans, but after measuring the fabric I decided I had only enough to make shorts.

I washed and dried the material twice.  Hopefully that will be enough shrinkage.  I read online some people wash denim up to five times before cutting out the pattern.

I am using Simplicity 1948 in size 36, which is waist 30".  This is a pants pattern, but I have made it before as shorts.   I used lightweight denim.  Hard to believe it has been two years since making these.

Joe's shorts made 2013

My Mod shorts made 2013

So this will be different because I am using heavy denim and top stitching with denim thread.  I bought size 14 needles, which seem to work fine for the sewing, but when I tried top stitching, the machine skipped some stitches.  So I put in a size 16 needle and tried again.  This time the stitching looked good.

This is also a good test for my Singer 7470.  It has been plowing through the denim with no problem. I used three different feet to top stitch the pockets with three stitches to get the stitching straight. The standard foot and two different  blind-stitch feet and a seam guide.

Singer 7470

I do think the pockets came out nice.  I used a french-seam for the pocket bottom for a more finished look.  Plus I couldn't help from using a decorative stitch too.

Front

Pocket Close Up

Pocket Interior

Pocket Inside

The zipper is up next.

Thanks for stopping.

Spring of 1957

I had some white linen-like  material in my stash that was begging to be turned into a Spring/Summer shirt.  I thought Simplicity 2081 from 1957 would be a match for this material.  This is the second time I used this pattern, it is size small,  but this time I added two inches to the length.

I used my felling foot and my Singer Confidence 7470.  The flat-fell seams take longer to make, but do make a nice finish.   This shirt has a notched collar, so it is more casual looking.

Instead of a rolled-seam hem like I usually make, I made a standard hem.  I think it works well with this shirt since the hem is straight and it has side vents.

This shirt definitely says "Easter", "Spring",  and "Summer" to me.  Lightweight and white.

Made by me label

Thanks for stopping.